Tepoztlán is a town of striking character set in a deep valley surrounded by dramatic volcanic cliffs, about 25km east of Cuernavaca. The cobblestone streets, indigenous market, and well-preserved Dominican convent give it a strong colonial atmosphere; the town is also one of the spiritual tourism capitals of Mexico, with a reputation for healers, mezcal ceremonies, and crystal shops that predates the current wellness industry by several decades.
The main excursion is the one-hour climb to the Pyramid of Tepozteco on the ridge above town, a genuinely steep hike rewarded by views across the entire valley and a small but well-preserved Aztec temple. The walk up takes you through forested slopes; start early to avoid the midday heat. The Sunday market at the base of the convent draws people from the surrounding towns and is a good place to find Morelos textiles, local pottery, and chapulines.